We were saddened to hear that Bishop Walter Hawkins, a gospel music icon and pastor, lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on Sunday, July 11. He was a supporter and friend of the American Cancer Society. Below is a statement from Otis W. Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer, American Cancer Society:

ATLANTA – July 13, 2010 – “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Bishop Walter Hawkins as they mourn the loss of a gospel music icon and pastor to pancreatic cancer.

Bishop Hawkins was a supporter of the American Cancer Society in his community, and participated in the 2009 Oakland Relay for Life event. He was also working on establishing a Body and Soul program at his church, Love Center Ministries, Inc. in Oakland, CA prior to his passing.

We deeply appreciate his commitment to helping the American Cancer Society and his community celebrate more birthdays by volunteering his time to promote healthy lifestyles that reduce cancer risk.”

Statistics on Pancreatic Cancer

– About 43,140 new cases of pancreatic cancer are expected in 2010; about 36,800 deaths are also expected in the same year.

– The lifetime risk of having pancreatic cancer is about one in 72. It is about the same for both men and women.

– Men have this cancer slightly more often than women.

– African Americans are more likely to have this cancer than are whites.

– About two out of 10 people with pancreatic cancer live at least one year after their cancer is found. Fewer than four percent will be alive after five years.